AGS100 Livestock Production Systems (8)

This subject is an introduction to the livestock industries in Australia and the main components of management in livestock production systems. Students will link biological processes to key management practices and learn how to use appropriate technologies and practices to optimise production outcomes. Students will learn about basic scientific principles which underpin livestock systems. These include an introduction to biological interactions between animals and their environment, introductory principles in livestock digestion and nutrition, livestock reproduction and livestock health. Students will also learn about the annual management of the main livestock production systems found in Australia (Beef, Sheep and Dairy), including the development of operational calendars and identifying the critical factors required in the management of livestock production systems. Concurrently, students will also be provided with an introduction to best practice management in analysing animal performance and the methodology of meeting market specifications as efficiently as possible.

Availability

Session 2 (60)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: AGS100. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Assumed Knowledge

AGR130 or BIO100

Incompatible Subjects

ASC110, ASC135, ASC227, VSC110

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to identify the key management components of a livestock production system and apply these components to different farming contexts;
  • be able to describe the biological processes underpinning livestock production management decisions;
  • be able to compute common biophysical measures of animal performance and describe the on farm factors that impact these;
  • be able to identify market requirements and describe on farm factors that influence such requirements; and
  • be able to create a calendar of operations for a livestock enterprise.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Critical livestock management components;
  • Biological processes in livestock systems;
  • Management calendars;
  • Meeting Customer requirements; and
  • Strategies for measurement of animal performance.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of AGS100 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Livestock performance analysis
20
2
Quiz 1
5
3
Market requirements
10
4
Quiz 2
5
5
Measuring performance and calendar of operations
20
6
Final exam
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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